South Oak Cliff VS PNG Conference 5A Division II Championship

PNG would do their best to answer back with a touchdown of their own but would ultimately come up short and have to settle for a 31 yard field goal for 3 points instead making the score 7-6.  

Although PNG could not score a touchdown in the first half, their kicker, G. Oceguera, would help his team continue to put up points with an accurate leg. PNG would stop South Oak Cliff on the next drive and then march back down the field to give their kicker a third shot to take the lead. Oceguera would make it three for three for field goal attempts with this third 31-yard field goal. PNG led South Oak Cliff 9-7. 

However, before the 1st half would come to an end, South Oak Cliff was able to score a field goal of their own to reclaim the lead, making the score going into half time 10-9. With a one point lead and both teams putting up impressive defensive stops, the second half looks to bring about some exciting competition. 

2nd Half

With just over 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter #21 D. Green Jr. would find the end zone again with a 44 yard touchdown to extend South Oak Cliff's lead by another 7 points making it 17-9 over PNG. 

Throughout the 3rd quarter, PNG put up strong defensive stops and then began to get the wheels moving on their offense a little more. PNG would complete a 28-yard pass, setting them up in scoring position. 

On 4th down with 5 yards to go, PNG would convert the first down, giving them a new set of downs around the South Oak Cliff 25 yard line. This would be the opportunity PNG was looking for as they attempted to run the ball three times but without success initially. A third down penalty from the goal line would push them back to the 5 yard line and South Oak Cliff would make an outstanding defensive stop, forcing PNG to attempt another field goal. The short field goal from the 6 yard line by G. Oceguera would be good, reducing the PNG deficit to 5 points with the score now 17-12. 

Directly after scoring their 4th consecutive field goal of the game, PNG would take a risk and attempt an onside kick. PNG would be successful and recover the onside kick with about 7 minutes left to play in the 4th quarter. PNG would attempt a throw into the end zone that would be deflected by a South Oak Cliff defender. The play would be flagged for pass interference, which was considered an extremely controversial call. PNG would then set up at the goal line with a fresh set of downs and a huge opportunity to take the lead.

PNG would finally find the end zone and claim the lead over South Oak Cliff for the second time in the game. PNG would also elect to go for the two-point conversion, which was successful, giving them the lead and making the score 20-17 with just over 3 minutes left to play. 

South Oak Cliff would have one final shot to find the end zone; otherwise, PNG would upend them and prevent the three-peat from happening. With some of the best defense of the year, PNG was able to get it done. South Oak Cliff would fumble the ball but ultimately recover it to give them one final shot. PNG sent everyone they had and made the defensive stop of their careers. PNG took the 5A Division II State Championship title home in 2023. 

The offensive MVP was awarded to the PNG kicker Gio Oceguera, who scored a total of 12 of the 20 points from his leg alone. 

The defensive MVP award for PNG would go to Max Scroggs.